Van Jefferson
File-This Nov. 21, 2020, file photo shows LSU tight end Arik Gilbert against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Florida landed one of the country’s most coveted transfers Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, a likely replacement for star tight end Kyle Pitts. Former LSU standout Gilbert committed to the Gators on Twitter, saying “this is the best situation for me and I’m excited to join the family.” (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)
Former LSU TE Arik Gilbert chooses Florida as landing spot

By Mark Long Jan. 31, 2021 09:00 PM EST

Florida wide receiver Trevon Grimes (8) makes a touchdown catch for a touchdown against Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
No. 10 Florida will be without top 4 pass catchers in Cotton

By Mark Long Dec. 28, 2020 02:23 PM EST

FILE - Florida quarterback Kyle Trask (11) throws a pass against South Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla., in this Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, file photo. No. 6 Florida doesn't really even try to run the ball anymore. There's an occasional handoff here and there, but the Gators are mostly one-dimensional _ and that's fine with coach Dan Mullen, Heisman Trophy front-runner Kyle Trask and arguably the deepest receiving corps in the country. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Stalled ground game? Pass-happy Florida simply happy passing

By Mark Long Dec. 08, 2020 04:58 PM EST

Florida quarterback Kyle Trask (11) releases a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Kyle to Kyle gives No. 3 Florida potent passing combination

By Mark Long Sep. 28, 2020 06:03 PM EDT

FILE - Miami running back Lorenzo Lingard runs in for a touchdown during the second half an NCAA college football game against Savannah State, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. No. 5 Florida will rely on a number of newcomers, including Lorenzo Lingard, as it tries to dethrone rival Georgia in the Southeastern Conference’s East Division. Some of them are freshmen, others are transfers. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
No. 5 Florida counting on early help from several newcomers

By Mark Long Sep. 15, 2020 03:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2019, file photo, Florida head coach Dan Mullen watches from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri in Columbia, Mo. Mullen had several players miss the team’s opening training camp practice Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
Ex-Penn State WR Shorter gets waiver to play now at Florida

By Mark Long Sep. 11, 2020 10:15 AM EDT

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, left, tries to escape the grasp of Florida State defensive back Levonta Taylor, back right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Swamp success: No. 8 Florida ends 4-game home skid vs FSU

By Mark Long Nov. 30, 2019 11:11 PM EST

Florida State interim head coach Odell Haggins celebrates his team's 49-12 victory over Alabama State in an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser)
No. 8 Florida trying to end 4-game home skid against FSU

By The Associated Press Nov. 27, 2019 05:41 PM EST

Missouri wide receiver Barrett Banister, left, catches a pass as Florida defensive back Shawn Davis defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Trask, stingy defense lead Florida over Missouri, 23-6

By Joe Walljasper Nov. 16, 2019 03:41 PM EST

Arkansas quarterback John Stephen Jones scrambles out of the pocket against Western Kentucky during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Family ties: Sons continue football legacies across SEC

By Teresa M. Walker Nov. 13, 2019 04:18 PM EST

Florida running back Lamical Perine (2) is stopped after a short gain by the Georgia defense including linebacker Monty Rice (32) and defensive back J.R. Reed (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Fromm, Georgia beat Florida 24-17 in 'Cocktail Party'

By Mark Long Nov. 02, 2019 07:05 PM EDT

LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) celebrates after the team defeated Florida 42-28 in an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Burrow's 3 TDs lift No. 5 LSU over No. 7 Florida, 42-28.

By Brett Martel Oct. 12, 2019 11:55 PM EDT

Florida running back Lamical Perine, right, points to fans after scoring a touchdown against UT Martin on a 5-yard run during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
No. 11 Florida loses Toney, Henderson in win over UT Martin

By Mark Long Sep. 07, 2019 10:50 PM EDT

Cincinnati defensive back Coby Bryant, right, interferes with Ohio State receiver Austin Mack trying to catch a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. Bryant was penalized on the play. Ohio State beat Cincinnati 42-0. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
No. 7 Michigan escapes with 24-21 2OT win over Army

By The Associated Press Sep. 07, 2019 05:19 PM EDT

Miami running back Cam'Ron Harris (23) knocks Florida linebacker Ventrell Miller, bottom, to the ground as he is tackled during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Inconsistent Franks, No. 8 Florida rally to beat Miami 24-20

By Mark Long Aug. 24, 2019 11:02 PM EDT

FILE - In this July 26, 2019, file photo, Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) runs with the ball as head coach Dan Mullen watches during an NCAA college football practice in Gainesville, Fla. (Brad McClenny/The Gainesville Sun via AP, File)
Inconsistent QB Franks an X-factor for Florida, Mullen

By Mark Long Aug. 12, 2019 12:18 PM EDT

Florida quarterback Emory Jones (5) throws as he runs a drill while the NCAA college football team opens fall practice in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, July 26, 2019. (Brad McClenny/The Gainesville Sun via AP)
Florida opens fall camp amid highest expectations in decade

By Mark Long Jul. 26, 2019 05:37 PM EDT

Texas A&M wide receiver Quartney Davis (1) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the seventh overtime of an NCAA college football game against LSU Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M won 74-72. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
No. 10 Ohio State routs No. 4 Michigan 62-39

By The Associated Press Nov. 24, 2018 05:01 PM EST

Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks, right, talks with Florida State wide receiver Keith Gavin (89) after an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser)
Franks helps Florida win 41-14, end skid vs Florida State

By Bob Ferrante Nov. 24, 2018 03:50 PM EST

Florida head coach Dan Mullen, left, talks with quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charleston Southern Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida gets Mullen era off to rousing start with 53-6 win

By Mark Long Sep. 01, 2018 06:51 PM EDT